EPISODE 10: LIFE LESSONS

In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from December 2013. This is the fist time I started asking the pivotal question that changed my life: "Should the way I work to suit the job? Or change the job to suit the way I like to work?" I discuss how this question has guided my career choices until this day and I share some ideas about how to be kind to yourself.

00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal

02:40 Journal Entry

06:27 Mixed feeling about this entry

07:41 The most important life lesson I've learned

13:20 I thought there was something wrong with the way I was working

14:42 Being told that I wasn't performing well enough

17:00 How to be kind to yourself

19:38 Adult loneliness

21:43 Outro

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EPISODE 9: ON BORROWED TIME

In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from July 2013, reflecting on my contract renewal struggles and the lack of job security in academia. I discuss the challenges faced with funding gaps, self-doubt, and networking. I also explore the impact of limited networking and self-perceived inadequacies. Ultimately, this episode highlights the broader issues in academic culture with limited funding, fixed-term contracts, and internal politics.

00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal

03:17 Journal Entry: Meeting with the Boss

05:50 Reflections on Job Security and Visibility

07:01 The Broader Issues in Academia

13:27 Personal Struggles and Mindset

18:15 Cultural and Systemic Barriers

20:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Lessons

23:14 Outro

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

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EPISODE 8: YEAR 1 REVIEW

In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read out a personal journal entry from December 2012—close to the end of my first year of my postdoc. I give a very harsh review of my own academic performance and share my attitudes to work and work-life balance. I also try to make some goals for the next year.

It is pretty clear that I was brainwashed into the academic system, evidenced by the way I judge my achievements using academic metrics of success only. I discuss some really interesting points about how philosophy to work and work-life balance has evolved over 12 years. I also reflect on how my goal-making skills have improved significantly today.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction and welcome to a Postdoc's Journal

[02:58] Journal entry from December 2012

[04:29] My perspective on many things has changed so much

[05:16] Underestimating my achievements

[06:04] Judging my success on academia's value system

[07:42] How my attitude to work and work-life balance has changed

[11:33] How to make good goals

[17:03] Outro

For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky

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